"Versatility in Motion: From Lockdown Defender to Emerging Offensive Threat"

Sam Plourde

@splourde2027

IG: @samplourde2027

6’5, 180lbs, Class of 2027

Beech HS, TN

Sam Plourde is a rising star in Tennessee basketball, known for his relentless defense and expanding offensive skills. He brings a unique combination of size, toughness, and agility, able to guard all five positions with effort and intensity. Sam takes pride in being a disrupter on defense, crashing the boards with aggression, and keeping his matchup uncomfortable from tip to buzzer. Offensively, he’s an efficient midrange shooter who’s now working to round out his game by developing more guard skills like tightening his handle, improving downhill finishes through contact, and becoming a confident scoring threat from all levels.

This past season, Sam averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds in 8 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 62% from midrange. On a senior-heavy roster, he embraced his role with maturity, staying ready and learning how to make an impact with limited minutes. The team’s loss in the substate round left a lasting impression on him, sparking a fire to push his game further and help lead Beech beyond that point next year. With roster changes and graduating seniors, Sam’s coach has asked him to shift into a shooting guard role. That transition has fueled his offseason focus on upping his defensive intensity, speeding up his handle, and developing the killer instinct required to take over games when it matters most.

This AAU season with the Tennessee Tigers is all about growth. Sam is using every game and practice to show his versatility and improve his feel at every position, from point guard to power forward. This past weekend, he averaged 8 points and 10+ rebounds per game. He’s looking forward to competing in NCAA live period tournaments, embracing the chance to play in front of college coaches and prove that he belongs on the big stage. What fires him up most are momentum-changing plays on defense, especially taking charges and getting back-to-back stops, moments he sees as game-changers.

Sam doesn’t fold under adversity but embraces it. A sprained ankle before his sophomore season delayed his preparation, but his trust in God helped him stay grounded. That faith gave him the strength to push through and made his return to the court even more meaningful. He plays with gratitude, passion, and a hunger to get better every day. One of the most powerful lessons he’s taken from his coaches was, "You can’t control makes or misses, but you can always control your effort". That’s exactly what he does.

Sam’s blend of length, defensive fire, evolving offensive skill, and emotional maturity gives him the tools to become a serious force. With continued development, hunger to lead, and passion for the grind, he’s a name college coaches won’t want to overlook in the Class of 2027. His nonstop motor and gritty, blue-collar work is intense and impressive. Keep a close eye on this young star. His potential is sky-high. Stay tuned.